Best Laptops For Graphic Design Of 2023
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Need the best laptops for graphic design? We’ve tested, reviewed, and rated the portables you need to create stunning designs without impacting performance.
When you’re working with the best graphic design software, performance is critical. These resource-intensive creative apps can put a serious strain on your computer or laptop and stop your creative flow right in its tracks. So, keeping your design process on track demands a graphic design laptop ready to run your software smoothly.
The best laptops for designers should be loaded with decent RAM, a quick CPU, and a powerful GPU. The hi-res screen should display a wide color gamut that accurately reflects the color spectrum. You’ll also want plenty of storage space – pairing an SSD with the best photo cloud storage is ideal for keeping your work secure offline and online.
To get the very best drawing apps running perfectly, we’re diving into the best laptops for graphic design. We’ve compared these laptops across various factors, like their CPU, GPU, screen quality, connectivity ports, and overall performance. We also evaluated their battery lives, storage, and pricing, among other things.
- Best laptops for photographers: For image editing on the move
Best laptops for graphic design of 2023
(Image credit: Future)
1. MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021)
Best laptop for graphic design overall
Specifications
CPU: Apple M1 Pro 8-core – M1 Max 10-core
Graphics: Integrated 14-core – 32-core GPU
RAM: Up to 64GB
Screen: 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
Storage: Up to 8TB
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Brilliant performance
+
Apple’s usual stunning design and build
+
Best screen on a laptop
Reasons to avoid
–
Screen may be too small for some
–
Not a budget device
–
May be overkill for casual users
Thanks to the launch of the M1 Pro- or M1 Max-armed MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021), the MacBook Pro has truly made its complete transformation as a laptop for creative professionals.
It absolutely impresses with breath-taking power and an equally breath-taking battery life. Apple then adds its XDR display with 1600 nits of peak brightness and a wide color gamut to the mix, which is ideal for graphics design. The battery life is around 16 to 17 hours, and the screen is stunning, with a huge 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio.
The SD card slot, an HDMI port, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports (all of which can stay available thanks to MagSafe charging being back) are all there to make sure you also have access to all the peripherals you’ll need.
Read the full MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021) review
(Image credit: Future)
2. Dell XPS 17 (2021)
Best laptop for designers on the move
Specifications
CPU: Up to 11th Generation Intel Core i9-11980HK
Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6
RAM: Up to 64GB DDR4-3200MHz
Screen: 17.0″ FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge Non-Touch Anti-Glare 500-Nit – 17. 0″ UHD+ (3840 x 2400) InfinityEdge Touch Anti-Reflective 500-Nit
Storage: Up to 4TB M.2 PCIe NVMe
Reasons to buy
+
Great performance
+
Gorgeous design
+
Surprisingly sleek workstation
Reasons to avoid
–
Lack of ports
–
Not a budget laptop
The Dell XPS 17 (2021) is a laptop with the kind of power to handle just about any graphic design work.
With specs of up to an Intel Core i9 CPU, 64GB of RAM, and an Nvidia RTX GeForce 3060 means you can even tackle some 4K video editing, especially if you upgrade to a UHD display. The dedicated Nvidia GPU ensures a smooth gaming experience, even for demanding games. In our testing, the laptop averaged around 52 fps in Metro Exodus at 1080p with everything set to Ultra.
Somehow, all this performance fits in a 0.77 inch thick machine for a surprisingly portable workstation. While the XPS 17 does come at a premium and could come with a few more ports, overall it’s a great laptop for designers on the go.
Read the full Dell XPS 17 (2021) review
(Image credit: Future)
3. Gigabyte Aero 17 (2021)
Best laptop for hardware-hogging apps
Specifications
CPU: 10th-generation Intel Core i7 – i9
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Max-Q
RAM: 16GB – 64GB
Screen: 17.3-inch UHD 4K OLED, HDR400, 100% Adobe RGB, Pantone-certified
Storage: 2 x 1TB SSD
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Powerful
+
Gorgeous display
+
Abundance of ports
+
Good price against rivals
Reasons to avoid
–
Runs hot
–
Battery life could be improved
One of the most powerful mobile workstations out there, the Gigabyte Aero 17 (2021) comes with a lot of power, a gorgeous display, and plenty of ports.
Best yet, it’s priced well below its less-powerful rivals, making it a better proposition even if you have a more flexible budget. It isn’t by any means perfect. The battery life is around four to six hours and could use a bit of a boost. If you’re doing creative, resource-intensive work, you’re going to need to plug this laptop in within a few hours.
You’ll also want to avoid doing intensive work with the laptop while it’s sitting on your lap. Rendering 3D scenes or playing games on it makes it run very hot on the underside. But, for how much you’re paying and for the other things you’re getting in return, it feels like a fair trade.
Read the full Gigabyte Aero 17 (2021) review
(Image credit: Future)
4. MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022)
Best 13-inch MacBook Pro for designers
Specifications
CPU: Apple M2 with 8-core CPU
Graphics: Integrated 10-core GPU
RAM: 8GB – 24GB
Screen: 13.3-inch 2560 x 1600 display with P3 and True Tone technology
Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD
Dimensions (H x W x D): 30.41 x 21.24 x 1.56 cm
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
M2 chip is a brilliant performer
+
Excellent battery life
+
Almost silent in use
Reasons to avoid
–
No new design
–
Still only two Thunderbolt ports
With the Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022) achieving better performance in both single and multi-core CPU tests than its M1 predecessor during our test, Apple’s smallest MacBook Pro is most powerful than ever, especially for intensive tasks like video editing and graphics design.
It also scored around twice as much as the Intel Core i7-1185G7-powered Surface Laptop 4, and lasted almost two hours longer than the M1 MacBook Pro 13-inch in our battery life test. What’s more, we found that it stays quiet under pressure, which should minimize distractions from your creative process.
It might not come with a new design update, which may somewhat be disappointing folks who’ve been craving an external overhaul, but the boost in performance more than makes up for it. Well, that and the fact that it keeps the same price tag as before.
Read our in-depth MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022) review
(Image credit: Future)
5. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6
Best 2-in-1 laptop for designers
Specifications
CPU: 11th generation Intel Core i5 – i7
Graphics: Intel Xe Plus
RAM: 8GB – 16GB
Screen: 14-inch, 1920 x 1200p, IPS touchscreen, 400 nit
Storage: 256GB – 512GB SSD
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Fantastic 16:10 display
+
Outstanding performance for demanding tasks
+
Good performance
Reasons to avoid
–
Lack of SD card slot is a major disadvantage
–
Priced for business professionals
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6 might be pricey but it’s well worth the cost. Not only do you get a fantastic screen with a wider 16:10 aspect ratio but excellent performance thanks to the latest generation Intel processors, Intel Xe graphics, and Evo certification.
It will also last quite a while on a single charge if you need to work on the road or in the field. Its design is not the most awe-inspiring and an SD card slot would have been appreciated, but the X1 is an otherwise stellar machine for graphic designers.
The connectivity options on this device aren’t lacking: there are two USB Type-A ports in addition to the two Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-Cs, as well as an HDMI 2.0.
Read the full Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6 review
(Image credit: Apple)
6. MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021)
Best 16-inch MacBook Pro for designers
Specifications
CPU: Apple M1 Pro 10-core – M1 Max 10-core
Graphics: Integrated 16-core – 32-core GPU
RAM: Up to 64GB
Screen: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
Storage: Up to 8TB
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Extremely long battery life
+
Plenty of ports
+
Excellent design and build
Reasons to avoid
–
On the bigger side
–
Not a budget pick
The MacBook Pro 16-Inch (2021) is an extraordinary machine, partially due to that incredibly powerful M1 Pro chip (or M1 Max if you choose to upgrade). But, it offers much more.
It comes with a gorgeous XDR screen that’s a joy to work on and a battery life that will keep you going on the road without slowing down performance when unplugged. You’ll find a good selection of ports for your peripherals too: 3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), HDMI, SDXC card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a MagSafe 3.
The screen is bright and beautiful with 1,600 nits of peak brightness and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio.
This graphic design laptop doesn’t come cheap, and it’s not as portable as its 14-inch brother but you do get extra screen real estate to help you with your workflow.
Read the full MacBook Pro 16-Inch (2021) review
(Image credit: Dell)
7. Dell XPS 15 (2021)
Best graphic design laptop all-rounder
Specifications
CPU: Up to 11th Generation Intel Core i9-11900H
Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GDDR6
RAM: Up to 64GB DDR4-3200MHz
Screen: 15. 6″ FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge Non-Touch Anti-Glare 500-Nit – 15.6″ UHD+ (3840 x 2400) InfinityEdge Touch Anti-Reflective 500-Nit
Storage: Up to 4TB M.2 PCIe NVMe
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Speedy performance
+
Gorgeous display and design
+
Good battery life
+
One of the best Dell laptops overall
Reasons to avoid
–
Could have better discrete graphics
–
Can run hot under adverse conditions
The Dell XPS 15 (2021) keeps everything that’s made this mid-size flagship model special, but with some updated internals. While the XPS 15 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it makes a great laptop for designers. With up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti, you should be able to handle most image and video editing without breaking a sweat.
It can even handle some gaming, though it is admittedly a bit underpowered compared to some of the competition and will run hot during extended gaming sessions.
But, with that beautiful screen and the fantastic battery life that the XPS 15s have always come with, you will forget about any shortcomings of this computer. And, considering its beautiful design, it’s no wonder that the XPS 15 models consistently rank among the best Dell laptops out there.
Read the full Dell XPS 15 (2020) review
(Image credit: Future)
8. Acer ConceptD 7
Best Mac alternative for graphic designers
Specifications
CPU: 9th-generation Intel Core i7
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 – 2080
RAM: 16GB – 32GB
Screen: 15.6″ 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) 16:9 IPS
Storage: 1TB
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Cheaper than MacBook Pro
+
Good selection of ports
Reasons to avoid
–
Expensive compared to some rivals
–
Plain design
–
Not as thin and light as MacBook Pro
For those who think that MacBook Pros are overpriced but still need one of the best laptops for graphic design, there’s the Acer ConceptD 7.
Although it’s not as light as a MacBook Pro, this formidable laptop’s capable of handling complex and demanding tasks, thanks in part to its Nvidia RTX graphics, and was designed specifically with creative professionals in mind.
Beyond that sheer power it delivers, it also offers decent port selection, a minimalist solid white design, and that stunning Pantone-validated 4K IPS display. The connectivity ports include 1 x USB-C, 3 x USB 3.1 Type-A, 1 x HDMI, a headset jack, and an Ethernet port.
It’s not a budget choice, but if you’re looking for a Windows-powered MacBook alternative for creative endeavors, it’s certainly among the best laptops for graphics designers.
Read the full Acer ConceptD 7 review
(Image credit: Future)
9. Razer Blade 14
Best laptop for performance and portability
Specifications
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 – RTX 3080
RAM: 16GB
Screen: 14-inch 144Hz Full HD – 14-inch 165Hz QHD
Storage: 1TB SSD
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Beautiful chassis
+
Thin and light
+
Rigid, sturdy build
+
Good for gaming
Reasons to avoid
–
Not a budget pick
–
Lower performance than other laptops
This luxurious thin and light gaming laptop from Razer just oozes class, and is one of the best graphic design laptops for designers who want a powerful fusion of performance and portability.
It is also one of the nicest looking modern gaming laptops we have seen. It is not just for gaming, however. The Razer Blade 14 comes with cutting edge components as well, including the awesome AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX processor and up to an RTX 3080 graphics card – just the ticket for all your graphics design demands.
This means it is able to see you through the most intensive graphics design processes without breaking a sweat… while keeping things portable and solidly built, so you won’t worry about it getting damaged when out in the field.
Read the full Razer Blade 14 review
(Image credit: Future)
10. Lenovo Legion 7i (2020)
Best laptop for designers and gamers
Specifications
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 – RTX 3080
RAM: 16GB
Screen: 14-inch 144Hz Full HD – 14-inch 165Hz QHD
Storage: up to 1TB SSD
Today’s Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
144Hz display, 240Hz models available
+
Quiet fans that keep their cool
+
Good for gaming
Reasons to avoid
–
Mediocre battery life
–
Overall design may be considered bland
The Lenovo Legion 7i may be first and foremost a gaming laptop, but that stunner of an aluminum design and seriously impressive performance make it a boon to creative professionals like graphic designers as well.
This will not look out of place in an office, especially if you turn off those blinding RGB lights. Plus, it stays cool under pressure, thanks to its fantastic thermals. The connectivity ports include USB-C 3.1 (Gen 1), USB-A 3.1 (Gen 2), HDMI 2.0, RJ45 Ethernet, and a 3.5mm audio port.
This may not be an RTX 3000 Series laptop, but you can get an RTX 2080 Super Max Q under the hood that is nothing to joke about. If that’s overkill, there are other configurations on hand as well.
Read the full Lenovo Legion 7i (2020) review
Best laptops for graphic designers: Frequently Asked Questions
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When choosing which laptop is best for graphic design, there’s no one answer. With so many makes and models on the market, the trick is to first identify how you’re planning to use the device.
There’s no one graphic design laptop – it all depends on the work you’ll be doing. As a baseline, however, we recommend minimum specs of 16GB RAM and 1TB of SSD storage – paired with one of the best photo cloud storage services for backups. Ideally, choose a display that features DCI-P3 for the most accurate on-screen colors.
Alternatively, a screen with a very high-percentage sRGB coverage will suffice. A machine with this power will keep you in the zone.
Professionals and power-users will want to opt for portables that ramp up the power and performance as high and as hard as they go. Graphic design apps like Adobe Illustrator can take their toll on hardware, so it’s important to select one that can manage running them smoothly without any lag.
Look for the best RAM, best CPU, and best GPU specs that your budget allows- and consider a device that offers plenty of storage space, too. You can really spend out on the very best graphic design laptops, but it’s not always necessary – especially if you’re more of a casual user or you’re designing using less resource-intensive tools like the best logo makers and best free logo makers or online design apps like Canva.
Check the screen specs. As a graphic designer, particularly if you’re working with print assets, what you create on the screen should be as accurate to the finished article as possible. Look for those with a wide color gamut, ideally hitting 100% DCI-P3, although a high-percentage sRGB coverage will be fine for more general use.
As the recommended specs are similar, it’s also worth exploring the best monitors for graphic design and the best monitors for photo editing if you need a second display.
We test hardware built for a range of industries and professions, including the best laptops for writers, best laptops for engineering, and best laptops for video editing.
When it comes to best laptops for designers, we rigorously test each device against a list of features, with special focus on screen quality and performance. These are two of the most important assets when running creative apps like graphic design software, photo editors, and graphics-hungry apps like the best VFX software, and best 3D modeling and rendering software.
Generally, we opt for laptops with at least 16GB of RAM – although 32GB is preferred – with internal SSD storage of 1TB and above. They also feature the latest-generation CPUs from AMD, Intel and Apple.
Some of the devices we’ve assessed are often marketed as the best business laptops or best gaming laptops – perhaps that’s no surprise, since these also need to be able to handle hardware-hogging applications without missing a beat.
Round up of today’s best deals
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021)
$1,999
$1,895.95
View
See all prices
Gigabyte Aero 17 HDR
$3,570.87
View
See all prices
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga (Gen 6)
$2,639
$999.99
View
See all prices
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch 2021
$2,499
$1,998.99
View
See all prices
Dell XPS 15 (2021)
$3,024.39
View
See all prices
Acer ConceptD 7
$2,999
View
See all prices
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Matt is TechRadar’s Managing Editor for Core Tech, looking after computing and mobile technology. Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there’s no aspect of technology that Matt isn’t passionate about, especially computing and PC gaming. Ever since he got an Amiga A500+ for Christmas in 1991, he’s loved using (and playing on) computers, and will talk endlessly about how The Secret of Monkey Island is the best game ever made.
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The 5 Best Laptops For Graphic Design – Summer 2023: Reviews
- Table of Contents
- Intro
-
Best Laptop
-
Best Mid-Range
-
Best Budget
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Best Cheap
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Best 2-In-1 Tablet
- Notable Mentions
- Recent Updates
- All Reviews
- Discussions
Updated Jun 23, 2023 at 09:06 am
By Ryan Lim
Whether you’re an amateur or a professional graphic designer, choosing the best laptop for your needs can be challenging. You can easily overspend on a model with features you never use or a device unsuitable for such tasks, like a laptop with a poor-quality display. There are a couple of things to consider when buying a laptop. First and foremost, you want a high-resolution screen that’s large enough to work comfortably, and you also want the screen to be able to display all the colors in the color space in which you work (sRGB, Adobe RGB, or DCI P3) so that you know your design is color-accurate. A good CPU will allow for a smoother experience when manipulating images or applying effects, and if you work on more complex designs, a dedicated GPU may be necessary. Naturally, if you travel with your laptop, you want to look for something portable with enough battery life to get you through the day. The quality of the keyboard and touchpad are also important, and depending on your needs, you want to consider the port selection.
We’ve bought and tested over 75 laptops. Below you’ll find our recommendations for the best laptops for designers you can buy. You can also see our picks for the best laptops, the best laptops for video editing, and the best laptops for photo editing.
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Best Laptop For Graphic Design
MSI WS76 (2021)
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School
7.2
Gaming
8.1
Multimedia
7.2
Workstation
9.0
Business
7.9
Portability
5.7
Ports
9.5
Battery
6.0
Thermals And Noise
7.1
See all our test results
The best laptop for graphic design we’ve tested is the MSI WS76 (2021), a premium Windows mobile workstation.
You can get this 17.3-inch model with a 4k IPS or Mini LED display, allowing you to work comfortably and efficiently with all your tools readily available on the screen. The Mini LED panel produces deeper blacks but is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, while the IPS panel has a 120Hz refresh rate but produces grayish blacks. If you work in a wider color space than sRGB, know that the Mini LED display has 100% DCI P3 coverage, while the IPS option has 100% Adobe RGB.
Performance-wise, its Intel 11th Gen. CPU is plenty fast for graphic design. It also has an NVIDIA discrete GPU (RTX A3000 or A5000), which isn’t necessary if you’re only doing simple 2D graphics; however, it doesn’t hurt to have it, as some programs support GPU acceleration to provide a smoother experience. Unfortunately, this is a bulky and heavy laptop, so it isn’t the best for on-the-go use, and you’ll also need to bring the charger, as the battery lasts less than eight hours of light use.
For Mac users, you can go with the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) or the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021).
Before we get into more details, know that Apple has released newer versions of these laptops with their M2 chips. They’re identical to their M1 predecessors but have a faster processor, HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 6E, and increased memory support up to 96GB. You still get a gorgeous Mini LED display, a comfortable keyboard, and a gigantic touchpad. The displays don’t have full Adobe RGB coverage, so there are better options if you work in that particular color space. Aside from a larger display, the 16-inch model has longer battery life and better speakers, but it’s more expensive and less portable.
See our review
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Best Mid-Range Laptop For Graphic Design
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022)
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School
7.
9
Gaming
8.3
Multimedia
7.1
Workstation
8.7
Business
8.0
Portability
7.3
Ports
8.0
Battery
8.2
Thermals And Noise
5.1
See all our test results
If you want something more affordable that still performs well, get the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022). It has a powerful AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS CPU, and you can choose between an AMD Radeon RX 6700S or 6800S GPU. Again, the GPU might not be necessary for you, but it doesn’t hurt either. Another thing to remember is that there’s a newer 2023 model out, so you can find this laptop at a much lower price when it was released, making it a fantastic value.
It has a sharp QHD panel with full DCI P3 coverage, a spacious and tactile keyboard, and a large, easy-to-use touchpad. Port selection is great, although the USB-C ports only support USB 3.2 Gen. 2 data transfer speed (up to 10Gbps). ASUS promised a firmware update to add USB4 support, but it’s still in development.
The Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022) is a great alternative if you prefer working on a Mac. It’s a 13.6-inch ultraportable with Apple’s M2 SoC (System on Chip). It has a sturdy aluminum chassis, a thin and light design, and a nice display with full DCI P3 coverage. It lacks a dedicated GPU; however, it’s worth noting that the M2’s integrated GPU performs better than most integrated graphics on the market. The main downside of this laptop is its very limited port selection. You only get two USB-Cs, a MagSafe charging port, and a headphone jack. Also, it can only output a video signal to a single external display, which might be problematic if you use a multi-monitor setup. Check out the Apple MacBook Air 15 if you want more screen space.
It’s the same device as the 13-inch model but with a 15.3-inch display and better speakers. You can see it on Amazon here.
See our review
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Best Budget Laptop For Graphic Design
ASUS TUF Dash F15 (2022)
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School
7.4
Gaming
7.8
Multimedia
6.7
Workstation
8.7
Business
7.8
Portability
7.0
Ports
8.0
Battery
6.
2
Thermals And Noise
6.2
See all our test results
Our best budget pick is the ASUS TUF Dash F15 (2022), a 15.6-inch model. It’s available with an Intel 12th Gen. Core i5 or i7 CPU, various discrete NVIDIA GPUs ranging from an RTX 3050 to 3070, and up to 16GB of memory and 1TB of storage. The RAM and SSD are user-replaceable if you need more. The multiple display options include a QHD display with full DCI P3 coverage. You get a spacious and tactile keyboard with a Numpad, a large and responsive touchpad, and a wide port selection, including a full-size HDMI and a USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 port.
As you may have noticed, this laptop is almost the same price as the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022) we recommend above. This is because there’s a newer G14, and the 2022 model is often on sale. Choosing between these two laptops depends on what you care about most. The G14 provides a better overall user experience with a brighter display and longer battery life, and it’s also easier to carry around and has a fingerprint sensor for quick logins.
However, the Dash F15 has Thunderbolt 4 support and doesn’t get as hot or loud under load.
See our review
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Best Cheap Laptop For Graphic Design
ASUS VivoBook 15 OLED K513 (2021)
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School
7.0
Gaming
6.2
Multimedia
7.3
Workstation
7.5
Business
7.1
Portability
8.3
Ports
7.0
Battery
5.
5
Thermals And Noise
7.3
See all our test results
If you’re doing graphic design as a hobby and want something cheap to get the job done, consider the ASUS VivoBook 15 OLED K513 (2021). You can configure this 15-inch ultraportable with an Intel 11th Gen. Core i3, i5, or i7, up to 16GB of memory, and over 1TB of storage. It’s available with integrated graphics or a discrete NVIDIA GPU (MX330 and MX350). However, the discrete GPUs are only a minor step up from the integrated graphics, so the performance increase isn’t significant. What makes this laptop stand out is its OLED display. It produces deep, inky blacks and has full Adobe RGB and DCI P3 coverage, so you can fully rely on it for color work. Port selection is decent, although the USB-C port doesn’t support video output or charging, and the HDMI port is limited to the 1.4 standard.
See our review
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Best 2-In-1 Tablet For Graphic Design
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 (2021)
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School
7.
7
Gaming
6.7
Multimedia
7.9
Workstation
7.2
Business
7.4
Portability
8.9
Ports
5.5
Battery
6.3
Thermals And Noise
9.5
See all our test results
If you’re a digital artist or often work with a stylus, get the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 (2021), a 13-inch tablet PC. You can detach the keyboard when you need to draw, and the kickstand allows you to tilt the screen to nearly any angle you want. Its 3:2 IPS panel is incredibly sharp, bright enough to combat glare, and has a 120Hz refresh rate to make pen input more responsive. As for the pen, you can use Microsoft’s Slim Pen 2 or any Microsoft Pen Protocol styluses.
The Slim Pen 2 is more convenient, as there’s a slot on the type cover keyboard to charge and store the pen. The downside is that you need to buy the stylus and the keyboard separately, adding to the overall cost of the device. Another downside is that it only has two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4s for peripherals and external displays.
As you may already know, Microsoft has released the Surface Pro 9. It’s essentially the same device, as it’s mainly an internal upgrade to faster Intel 12th Gen. processors. The only design change is the removal of the headphone jack, which means you’ll need a USB-C audio adapter if you want to use wired headphones, and unfortunately, there isn’t one included in the box. There’s also a Surface Pro 9 with an ARM processor and LTE connectivity, but it doesn’t perform as well as the Intel models and lacks Thunderbolt 4 support. Price-wise, the Surface Pro 9 is more expensive, not just because it’s a newer model, but because the Surface Pro 8 is discontinued and often on sale, so if you don’t need the upgrades, you can save some money with the older model.
See our review
Notable Mentions
- ASUS ProArt Studiobook Pro 16 OLED (2021):
The ASUS ProArt Studiobook Pro 16 OLED (2021) is a great alternative to the MSI WS76 (2021). It has a dial that you can customize to perform various actions or shortcuts to make your workflow more efficient. However, it’s more expensive, and its battery lasts only a little over five hours of light use. Also, its CPU throttles under load.
See our review - Dell Precision 5570 (2022):
The Dell Precision 5570 (2022) is a good alternative to the MSI WS76 (2021) if you want something more portable. However, its port selection is worse, as it only has USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports and an SD card reader. Additionally, it throttles under load, and its battery doesn’t last as long.
See our review
Recent Updates
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Jun 23, 2023:
Minor text changes to provide information about the Apple MacBook Air 15.No change in recommendations.
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May 24, 2023:
Replaced the HP Victus 15 (2022) with the ASUS TUF Dash F15 (2022) because the ASUS has better display options and supports Thunderbolt 4. Added the ASUS Vivobook 15 OLED K513 (2022) as the ‘Best Cheap’ option.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best laptops for designers you can get. We factor in the price (a cheaper laptop wins over a pricier one if the difference isn’t worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no laptops that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you prefer to make your own decision, here’s the list of all of our laptop reviews. Keep in mind that most laptops are available in various configurations, and the table only shows the results of the model we tested, so it’s best to see the full review for information about other variants.
6 best laptops for working with graphics
Updated: 07/13/2022 04:25:18 PM
Expert: Bogdan Shevchuk
*Overview of the best according to expertology.ru. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
Graphics processing, especially when it comes to 3D or high-definition video, puts forward increased demands on computer hardware. Until relatively recently, portable computers could not cope with such tasks by definition. Now there are high-performance laptops that are practically in no way inferior to top-end desktop graphics stations. The Expertology editors have prepared for you a mini-review of the most worthy, according to our experts, laptop models for graphics work in 2019year.
Best laptops for graphics
Nomination | place | product name | price |
The best laptops for graphics at the best price | 1 | Lenovo Ideapad 330 | 15 972 ₽ |
2 | DELL G3 17 3779 | 55 000 ₽ | |
3 | ASUS ZenBook 15 UX533FD | 76 900 ₽ | |
The best premium laptops for graphics | 1 | Apple MacBook Pro 15 with Retina Display Mid 2019 | 142 390 ₽ |
2 | MSI GT75 Titan 9SG | 236 485 ₽ | |
3 | Dell XPS 15 7590 | 101 220 ₽ |
The rating material is based on the results of the analysis of a sample of laptops by the portal https://rankquality. com/laptops/.
The best graphics laptops at the best price
In the first mini-selection, we will pay attention to those models that cope with a certain range of graphic tasks, and at the same time cost relatively acceptable money. Of course, the presented models are much more expensive than any truly budget laptop, but the minimum performance requirements set their own rules here.
Read also: 16 best laptops
Rating: 4.9Let’s first look at the most affordable graphics laptop option from the “trendsetter” in the low-cost electronics segment – Lenovo. To be precise, the Ideapad 330 is not the only modification. By the number of possible configuration combinations, this is one of the most flexible solutions, as it implies the choice of anything, up to the screen size.
In the context of working with graphics, between the available modifications with 15 and 17-inch screens, it would be logical to choose the second one.
However, this moment is desirable, but not decisive. If compactness is critical, 15 inches diagonal for many tasks will also be enough. Much more important is the resolution of the matrix, and there can be no compromises here. The maximum available resolution for this model is FullHD 1920×1080, which is worth choosing.
The second key point that determines the choice of a laptop for graphics is a bunch of processor + video card. Here the manufacturer also gives a wide field for combinations. The optimal ratio for the minimum final cost is Core i5 8250u with an NVIDIA GeForce MX150 video card. Anything below is at your own peril and risk, clearly aware of the acceptable performance loss. Everything above is if the budget allows, as a significant rise in price is inevitable.
Another important parameter for working with graphics is RAM. Here we are talking more about the speed of work, and not about the fundamental capabilities of the laptop. The system supports a fairly fast DDR4 memory with a frequency of 2133 to 2400 MHz.
The maximum volume is 16GB.
When working with heavy graphics, even quite a decent amount of RAM may not be enough, and then a hard drive is connected to the case. The Ideapad 330 has an M.2 slot for NVMe SSD storage. It is this order of the hard drive that you need to complete the laptop for installing the operating system. You can use a mechanical HDD for storage. Available SSD capacity options are from 128 to 256GB, HDD – up to 2TB.
When selecting a specific configuration of the Ideapad 330, you can even “adjust” the battery capacity. The manufacturer offers two options – with a capacity of 30 or 45Wh, which provide autonomy up to 6 or 8 hours, respectively.
Notebook dimensions in a configuration with a screen diagonal of 17.3 inches are 418×292.6×24.9mm, net weight – from 2.8kg, depending on the selected configuration.
Advantages
- big screen;
- a wide range of modifications;
- wide range of brightness;
- quiet cooling;
- affordable price.
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Drawbacks
- no obvious flaws and systematic complaints were found.
DELL G3 17 3779
Rating: 4.8
Another option for a relatively inexpensive graphics laptop is the 17-inch G3 3779.manufactured by DELL. This model also allows for almost two dozen modifications, but we will focus on a narrow range, where the most worthy performance indicators are observed, so that the result is a car that is a level higher than the previous one.
So, Expertology recommends a 17.3 large-screen configuration for graphics work. The dimensions of the laptop in this case will be equal to 415.4×279.2x25mm. Net weight – 3.27kg. Despite the fact that the case is quite massive, the designers have successfully coped with the task of “masking” the thickness, and the laptop looks thin and elegant. Maximum matrix resolution – FullHD 1920×1080. The screen finish is preferably matte, but can also be glossy.
In the minimum configuration for design and graphics, this model can be equipped with a Core i5 8300H processor, but our experts still recommend a 6-core Core i7 8750H with a frequency of up to 2.
3GHz. The standard amount of RAM is also offered in two versions – 8 and 16GB, and the upper possible upgrade limit is 32GB. Memory type – DDR4 with a frequency of 2666 MHz, two slots. A discrete video card (we don’t seriously consider the built-in one) is offered here by NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti or 1060 with memory from 4 to 6GB GDDR5.
With data storage subsystems, the situation here is exactly the same as in the above model. You can initially choose a configuration with an SSD for the operating system and a mechanical HDD for the drive. This is what you should do, because one SSD will be catastrophically small for working with serious graphics. Saving on SSD, getting by with one HDD, is also categorically not worth it.
Frankly, the weak point of this laptop is autonomy. The computer is equipped with a battery with a capacity of 3500mAh / 56Wh, and with this power consumption, a full charge will last no more than 4 hours. This is doubly strange, since the model is positioned by the manufacturer as a gaming one.
In the future, it makes sense to consider replacing the battery with a more capacious one, if such an alternative takes place on the market.
Advantages
- power and performance;
- big screen;
- many configuration options;
- slim elegant design that masks the massiveness of the case.
Drawbacks
- weak stock battery.
ASUS ZenBook 15 UX533FD
Rating: 4.7
The third and final mini-selection of the best-priced laptops for graphics according to Expertology is one of the most successful projects from ASUS – the UX533FD model of the ZenBook family. Actually, this is a universal solution suitable for almost any task, including graphics. By all indications, this model can even be attributed to the premium class, but within the framework of our topic, premium laptops for graphics are still much more expensive.
The screen size here is at the lower acceptable limit for the outlined range of tasks – 15.
6 inches, the maximum matrix resolution is 1920×1080. Notebook dimensions – 354x220x18mm, weight – 1.59kg. The body is metal. Protective case included. The screen, by the way, can also be touch-sensitive – some modifications provide for such an option.
In the optimal configuration for graphics, a Core i7 8565U processor with a frequency of 1.8 GHz (4 Whiskey Lake cores) is recommended. The standard equipment with RAM is 8GB, the highest possible frequency is highly desirable, and in this case it is 2400MHz. Recommended graphics card is discrete NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 only.
With a hard drive, the developers acted very radically – the only option for a 512GB solid-state SSD on the M.2 interface is offered. When working with large volumes of graphics, especially with high mobility, it is advisable to take care of the availability of external media in advance – flash drives or a portable hard drive.
Unlike the previous model, battery life is already in order here.
The standard lithium-ion (lithium-polymer as an option) battery with a capacity of 4800mAh / 73Wh ensures continuous operation without recharging for 13 hours.
This laptop can be recommended for work with graphics of medium complexity and capacity. In this model, the emphasis is on the minimum dimensions and weight to ensure maximum comfort in any, even very cramped conditions.
Advantages
- premium level of the series;
- power and performance;
- touch screen in separate modifications;
- elegant design;
- metal case;
- long battery life;
- thin and light.
Drawbacks
- no systematic problems were identified.
Best Premium Graphics Laptops
In the second group of devices, we will consider the most powerful laptops “stuffed” with powerful hardware, they are also the most expensive in the review. These portable solutions easily cope with advanced graphics tasks.
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Apple MacBook Pro 15 with Retina display Mid 2019
Rating: 4.9
We will immediately pay attention to the admirer of “apple” technology, especially since Apple computers were focused on professional work with graphics almost from the very beginning. For a long time, the lion’s share of printed publications in the world were mounted on the Mac, and most of the standards, formats and fonts were to one degree or another associated with this particular platform. It was only relatively recently that the PC as a graphics platform “caught up” with Apple computers. Now the Apple MacBook Pro is widely used to work with raster and vector graphics, as well as for video editing of almost any complexity.
The screen size of the notebook is 15.4 inches diagonally, and the resolution of the matrix is habitually non-standard, characteristic for the MacBook – 2880×1800. Retina display with a high pixel density here “works out to the fullest” all its advantages – the image is juicy, bright, contrasting, the colors are realistic, the pixels are indistinguishable.
The screen cover is glossy. The overall dimensions of the laptop – 349.3×240.7×15.5mm, weight – 1.83kg. The body is made of metal with a minimalist design characteristic of the entire series.
The computing center of the entire system is a powerful Intel Core i7 processor on six Coffee Lake cores with a frequency of 2.6 GHz. Regular RAM – DDR4 with a frequency of 2.4 GHz in the amount of 16 GB. Video subsystem options: AMD Radeon Pro 555X or Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655. The amount of video memory of a discrete card is 4GB. The hard drive is a 256GB SSD.
In terms of communication, this model only supports wireless connections via Wi-Fi standards 802.11ac or 802.11b, as well as Bluetooth versions 4.1 or 5.0. Lithium-polymer battery with a capacity of 83.6Wh ensures battery life of the laptop up to 10 hours.
With all the obvious advantages of this laptop, it has a feature that is worth warning about. The cooling of the system works with a bias towards the maximum acoustic comfort of the user.
Accordingly, its active part does not turn on “until the last”, which means that the laptop can noticeably heat up. In this case, this is not a drawback, but a delicate calculation, and high heating does not pose any danger.
A detailed analysis of the technical characteristics can be found here.
Advantages
- brand.
- Retina display – flawless image;
- exceptional quality of materials and workmanship;
- performance;
- autonomy;
- all the advantages of Apple in terms of ergonomics;
- Apple-specific sophisticated design.
Disadvantages
- Minimalism of interfaces characteristic of Apple.
MSI GT75 Titan 9SG
Rating: 4.8
The review continues with a heavy-duty solution from the Taiwanese company MSI. Titan 9SG is positioned as a game, and it has exactly this bias in everything. And all the gaming advantages directly echo the requirements for comfortable work with graphics of any complexity.
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Let’s immediately dwell on almost the only obvious, albeit inevitable, drawback of this model – dimensions and weight. The laptop measures 428x314x58mm and weighs 4.56kg without packaging. But for operational work with the most complex and voluminous graphics in the “field” conditions, any worthy alternative will generally have similar dimensions.
Other characteristics of the laptop in the configuration recommended by our experts are already impressive in a good way. The 17.3-inch screen is equipped with a high-quality IPS-matrix with a resolution of 4K 3840×2160. In combination with a powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 video card with 8GB of memory, this bundle allows you to fully work with the most complex three-dimensional graphics, including dynamics, working through the smallest details. There are modifications with a TN-matrix and a lower resolution, but Expertology does not recommend this configuration for the intended tasks.
The top-of-the-line Intel Core i9 8950HK CPU with six Coffee Lake cores at 2.
9GHz ensures not only lightning-fast overall performance, but also fast rendering during video editing – one of the most painful problems in any post-production. The RAM here is also organized at the highest level – the standard installation provides 32GB DDR4, expandable up to 64GB using four working slots.
The impressive dimensions of the laptop in this case have a secondary benefit – the developers equipped this model with an impressive set of interfaces: five USB 3.1 Type A ports, one each Mini DisplayPort and HDMI, audio inputs and outputs, Thunderbolt3 and S / PDIF interfaces. Connection to networks is carried out both by wire – through a gigabit network card, and wirelessly through a Wi-Fi radio module of the 802.11ac standard. Wireless connection of peripherals – via Bluetooth 5.0.
Given the high power consumption, it is obvious that there will be increased demands on the laptop battery. The model developers foresaw this moment and equipped the laptop with a high-capacity 90Wh battery.
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Advantages
- big screen;
- 4K resolution;
- exceptional power and performance;
- relatively high autonomy;
- all the aesthetic benefits of a gaming laptop;
Drawbacks
- bulky and heavy.
See also: 8 best laptop backpacks
DELL XPS 15 7590
Rating: 4.7
Completing the review of the best laptops for graphics according to Expertology is another successful development of DELL Corporation. This model has a smaller screen than the previous one, but disproportionately smaller dimensions with similar performance characteristics.
The dimensions of the laptop are 357x235x17mm. Screen diagonal – 15.6. There are different options for equipping the matrix here. IPS-matrix – two resolution options – FullHD 1920×1080 or 4K 3840×2160. But the most interesting thing here is that the developers have foreseen a possible modification with a matrix of the latest OLED technology.
Such a matrix is much more expensive than IPS, not to mention TN, but in the premium segment, the price of a laptop is not in the first place in terms of importance.
As for electronics, everything in this model is on top, if we consider the top-end premium configuration. It’s a powerful Core i9 processor9980HK with 8 Coffee Lake cores at 2.6GHz. The stock RAM is 16GB, expandable up to 64GB on two slots. Responsible for the graphics discrete card NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 with 4GB of video memory. Crowning this stellar line-up of components is a high-speed 1TB SSD solid-state drive.
The autonomy indicator of this model is also on top – a lithium-ion battery with an exorbitant capacity of 8083 mAh ensures continuous operation on a single charge up to 9hours. The laptop itself can serve as a power source for peripherals – one of the two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports supports PowerShare technology, and the Thunderbolt 3 port supports Power Delivery.
Advantages
- power and performance;
- quite compact;
- OLED matrix as an option;
- 4K resolution;
- terabyte SSD drive;
- metal case;
- capacious battery.
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Drawbacks
- no obvious cons found.
Rate the article
Total votes: 2, rating: 3
Attention! This rating is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
How to choose a laptop for graphics and design work – Meduza
There is a misconception that you need a desktop computer to work with graphics, design and editing and it is inconvenient to do this on a laptop. A few years ago, this was true, but now there are laptops on the market specifically designed for such tasks. At the same time, unlike a PC, such a device can be closed at any time, put in a bag and used anywhere. In order not to get lost among the huge range of models, together with NVIDIA we have prepared instructions in which we will tell you what this or that characteristic affects and what details are really important.
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Decide what software to work with
Nakul / Unsplash
If you plan to work with photography, graphics, fonts, animation, and so on, you will most likely need Adobe Photoshop. The program, which is more associated with retouching and color correction, actually has a huge arsenal of possibilities. If you need to quickly edit entire photosets, then Adobe Lightroom will come in handy. With it, for example, you can correct the white balance on the pictures of the entire album in a few clicks.
Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve is often used for video. The applications have the widest possibilities: from simple video trimming to complex multi-level editing with the insertion of images, sounds, effects and voice processing. And to work with 3D models, you can use Adobe Dimension. This compositing tool is suitable for creating advertising posters, scene renderings, and abstract art.
Each program has its own technical requirements for a computer.
For example, for working in Photoshop or Lightroom, a less productive solution is also suitable – a processor with a frequency of at least 2 GHz and 16 GB of RAM and about 6 GB of video memory. But keep in mind that if you have to work with a large number of layers and panoramas, perform complex operations, such as applying sharpening filters, all this can heavily load the hardware and waste extra time. Premiere and DaVinci video editors are even more demanding, not to mention 3D graphics programs (a modern quad-core processor, 16 GB of RAM and 6 GB of video memory). Therefore, it is worth giving preference to more productive models.
RTX Studio laptops are specially designed to speed up your creative applications. RTX Studio models from multiple manufacturers let you instantly apply more than 30 accelerated functions and effects in Photoshop (such as Content-Aware Fill, Blur Gallery, and Smart Sharpen) to your photos instantly. And the Enhanced Detail feature in Lightroom will automatically improve image quality, improve color reproduction, and reduce artifacts in Raw images.
All models of this family are equipped with specialized cores of NVIDIA RTX graphics cards, helping to speed up workflows in more than fifty popular applications. NVIDIA Studio drivers constantly monitor application updates so that the laptop is “friendly” with the current version. At the same time, drivers ensure the stable operation of the entire workflow, even if several applications are involved in it at once.
Understand the laptop’s key hardware
benjamin lehman / Unsplash
Internal storage. Computer read-only memory, which is of two types – HDD and SSD. The first is a familiar hard drive, and the second is essentially a large flash drive. For resource-intensive programs, laptops with SSD memory are recommended, as it works faster. If you work with heavy files (when editing video, for example), then you should choose models with a large SSD capacity, hard drives will limit system performance.
RAM.
It stores all the data that you are working with at the current moment. The lack of RAM will lead to the fact that some of the current data will be written to the hard drive and loaded several times slower. It is important to understand that even when working with a relatively light photo, RAM also contains all the changes to the image, application settings, and other parameters – all this takes up a lot of space.
Processor. Its task is complex calculations when working with files. The speed of opening, editing and saving heavy graphic files, real-time video processing, rendering and rendering of 3D scenes depend on the processing power of the processor and video card.
Video card . In fact, this is a computer within a computer, sharpened to work with graphics. The graphics processor of the video card effectively copes with parallel calculations of the same type, which are just used when working with graphics, 3D, editing, encoding or decoding video.
Also, the video card has its own memory, which works even faster than the RAM. It depends on its quantity whether the video card can render a heavy 3D scene, whether it will be possible to load the video card 100% in complex tasks. The latest trends are such that more and more work applications are accelerated precisely due to the GPU, so the more powerful it is, the higher the safety margin of the system and its relevance (taking into account the fact that in most laptops the video card is not replaceable and it will not be possible to upgrade it).
NVIDIA’s RTX GPUs feature a combination of several types of cores that accelerate various functions of visual content creation applications. Dedicated tensor cores accelerate artificial intelligence algorithms that are increasingly being used for creativity, such as automatically tracking objects in a frame or enhancing image detail. CUDA cores allow you to speed up the main effects of Photoshop, edit video in Premiere in real time, and speed up the rendering of final frames.
RTX graphics also run accelerated ray tracing and fast noise reduction technology to create photorealistic 3D models in Dimensions. Learn more about technologies that will save time and increase productivity here.
Display . When working with graphics, photos and videos, the color reproduction of the display plays an important role: the more accurate it is, the better. This characteristic is affected by the type of matrix and compliance with the sRGB color space. Most laptops now use IPS, TN or VA matrices. Of these, IPS has the best color reproduction, so it’s worth choosing a laptop with it. Another plus of IPS-matrix is good viewing angles: this means that the picture at an angle will not fade on such screens.
Now it’s time to check the sRGB color space. If the display has a 100% match, the colors on it will appear as naturally and realistically as possible. If the match is less than 90%, the image will be more faded and dull, if more than 110%, the picture becomes too bright and juicy.
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The choice of diagonal and display resolution depends on the needs. For example, if you are looking for a low-cost but high-performance option, it is better to choose displays with Full HD resolution. If you need more detail and clarity of the picture, then you should choose 2K or 4K resolution (however, it is worth considering that they load the video card more). As for the diagonal, here it is worth focusing on the main use case: for home and office, you can take a larger diagonal (15–17 inches or more), for moving – more compact options (about 15 inches or less).
Filter the appropriate laptop models
Ashkan Forouzani / Unsplash
The rating plate will help us when looking for a laptop in an online store or on a familiar marketplace. By entering the required parameters (memory, processor, video card, display, price), we can reduce the choice to 50-100 models and then consider only them in more detail.
Or choose a ready-made solution
If you are confused about different models and their parameters, you can trust ready-made solutions.
So, NVIDIA certifies laptops that are optimal for working with visual content. Models with the RTX Studio badge are in the catalogs of almost all manufacturers. To be included in this list, the laptop hardware and appearance must comply with NVIDIA requirements. Here are the specs:
- Video card: GeForce RTX 2060, Quadro RTX 3000 or better
- Processor: Intel Core i7 (H-series) or better
- RAM: 16 GB or more
- Internal memory: SSD 512 GB or more 9013 2
- Display: 1080p or 4K
RTX Studio certification means users can experience content creation applications without lag or lag. You can view the full catalog of RTX Studio laptops at the link, but here are three characteristic models from there.
Acer ConceptD 7
Announced last year, the ConceptD line was specifically designed for the creative profession. At the presentation, Acer representatives noted that for a long time designers were forced to work on gaming laptops, as they had the best performance.